[WASHINGTON, DC] – The telethon ordered by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to raise funds to aid Lebanon has collected over SR 100 million [$26.7 million] as of midnight local time. This excludes in-kind contributions from Saudi citizens and companies.

Proceeds from this fundraiser are in addition to the $500 million in aid Saudi Arabia has pledged thus far and the $1 billion it will deposit with the Lebanese Central Bank to support Lebanon’s economy. This aid comes in addition to the $50 million provided by the Kingdom last week for emergency relief assistance for the Lebanese people.

The Kingdom has also earmarked $250 million as a grant to be part of an international fund for reconstruction and relief in the Palestinian Territories.